Name of the Condition

• Other Chronic Allergic Conjunctivitis
• Technical term: H10.45 in ICD-10-CM

Summary

Chronic allergic conjunctivitis is an ongoing inflammatory response of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids, resulting from an allergic reaction. This condition persists for an extended period and can affect one or both eyes.

Causes

The primary cause of chronic allergic conjunctivitis is an allergic reaction triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, or contact lenses. The body's immune system overreacts to these allergens, resulting in inflammation.

Risk Factors

• A history of allergies or asthma.
• Exposure to common allergens such as pollen or dust mites.
• Living in areas with high airborne pollen levels.
• Long-term use of contact lenses.

Symptoms

• Persistent itchy eyes.
• Redness and swelling of the conjunctiva.
• Watery or mucous-like eye discharge.
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia).

Diagnosis

• Evaluation of medical history and symptoms.
• Physical examination of the eyes.
• Allergy testing to identify specific allergens.
• In some cases, conjunctival scrapings may be analyzed.

Treatment Options

• Avoidance of known allergens.
• Use of antihistamine or mast cell stabilizer eye drops to reduce inflammation.
• Oral antihistamines for systemic allergy relief.
• Corticosteroid eye drops may be prescribed for severe inflammation under medical supervision.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

With appropriate treatment and management, symptoms can be effectively controlled, leading to significant relief. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers is important to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment as necessary.

Complications

If left untreated, chronic allergic conjunctivitis can lead to:

• Corneal damage due to persistent scratching.
• Secondary infections.
• Impaired vision due to chronic inflammation and irritation.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Minimize exposure to known allergens.
• Use air purifiers and maintain cleanliness to reduce indoor allergens.
• Regularly wash bedding and vacuum carpets.
• Avoid rubbing the eyes, which can exacerbate symptoms.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Intense eye pain or sudden vision changes.
• Severe redness, swelling, or persistent discharge from the eyes.
• Lack of improvement despite using over-the-counter treatments.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (aao.org)
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (aafa.org)
• National Eye Institute (nei.nih.gov)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate documentation of the specific type of conjunctivitis and its chronic nature.
• Be mindful to distinguish between different ICD codes for other types of conjunctivitis.
• Avoid coding errors by verifying patient history and confirming an allergic origin.